Twenty Clubs
Sunderland · History

Sunderland: the history

The short, factual Sunderland story: when the club began, what is in the trophy cabinet, the ground, the owners and the records that matter, checked against the club's own history as of the 2026/27 season.

6League titles
2FA Cups
0League Cups
0European Cups
1879Founded

The beginning

Sunderland were founded in 1879. Founded by Scottish schoolteacher James Allan as the Sunderland & District Teachers Association Football Club. Fans know the club as the Black Cats.

Honours

As of the 2026/27 season the trophy cabinet holds 6 top-flight league titles, 2 FA Cups.

The ground

Sunderland play at Stadium of Light, their home since 1997. Planning a visit? The Stadium of Light guide covers the stations, parking and the away end.

Ownership

As of the 2026/27 season, Sunderland are owned by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus (majority shareholder and chairman), alongside Juan Sartori.

A record worth knowing

Sunderland won the 1973 FA Cup as a Second Division side, beating Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley through Ian Porterfield's goal.

Sunderland today